Ronaldo to become new men's underwear mogul

In a marketing change well worth noting for smitten fashionistas and football fans alike, Giorgio Armani has chosen a different footballer to replace David Beckham as the face of its men's underwear.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the superstar footballer who played for Manchester United before moving to Real Madrid for the beginning of his Spanish footballing career, will now model men's underwear for the fashion house after the heavily-tattooed former England captain stepped down from his role.

Ronaldo, who is one of the few people who challenges Beckham for his specialist free kick-taking crown, will start promoting the range in spring 2010 before he and the Portugal team head down to South Africa for the FIFA World Cup.

Victoria Beckham will also be replaced after the former Spice Girl decided to walk away from the female underwear modelling job she had, as the singer and socialite wanted to focus on her own fashion line.

Real Madrid are currently three points off Barcelona at the top of the Primera Liga of Spain after six games, while Ronaldo's former club Manchester United continue to top the Premier League.